Blue Print The Magazine of the Blue Triangle Housing Association Ltd. 3rd Floor, 100 Berkeley Street, Glasgow G3 7HU. Tel: 0141 221 8365, Email: admin@btha.org.uk

Winter Edition Issue No: 21

Who’s that girl? Enter our competition on page 11 for your chance to win a £10 gift voucher

Renfrew At Renfrew we have a wee open forum for service users once a month where they can drop in for lunch and a chat with Jane Drummond, project manager and other staff. This allows us to have a relaxed chat about how people are and how life is at the project while also getting any ideas or suggestions about how things could get better. Our last forum fell on 30th October 2009 so we decided to have a little fun

and dress for the occasion which was Halloween, as you can see from the pics a good laugh was had by all! Morag and Margo, housing support workers and our student Nicola were a great help and loved the dressing up and decorating the room. James, Kirsty and Pauline all service users at Renfrew also enjoyed the day and got into the spirit of the dressing up

too.

Festivities

Viewpark The Blue Triangle in Viewpark had a Halloween party, everyone that attended were in fancy dress and had made a fantastic effort with their outfits. Sarah won the prize for the best dressed.

Halloween

Staff and service users celebrated the Muslim Festival of Eid which is fully called Eid Al Adha. During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. The festival Eid was celebrated on the 27th of November and lasted until the 30th of November. Eid Al Adha lasts for three days. Blue Triangle Housing Association staff had sent out Eid Invitations to the residents staying in the project and we then celebrated Eid in the project on the 28th of November. The Project had provided a Halal Buffet for Muslims and Non Muslims and there were many residents that had come down to the project for the buffet that we had provided

because it was the Islamic festival of Eid Al Adha and all the residents had enjoyed their meal as it was different because we had different types of food such as, Samosas, Pakoras, Chicken Wings and many other different types of sweet dishes. The Eid Al Adha buffet that we had in the project was a great success and every resident that came down for the buffet had enjoyed it as it was different from the other cultures and festivals. Student (Sauchiehall Street)

Blue Triangle

Would like to invite you to join them in celebrating Eid,

A Buffet will be provided in the rec room on

Saturday28th At

5pm. Everyone is welcome

Bonfire Night at Glasgow Green

Linda, Stephen and I went to Glasgow Green to watch the fireworks, they were ok we enjoyed them but they only lasted for about half an hour. They had some music playing supplied from some of the DJs from Clyde one. The shows were there as well .I saw a few people that I knew there as well. Then me, Linda and Stephen came back and ate a cake that I made the night before it

looked like Guy Fawkes on a bonfire which was soon followed by a baked potato and chilli. If you want a personalised Hogmanay cake to help 2010 come in please don’t hesitate to phone the Shettleston Blue Triangle project: 0141 764 1943 and ask for Jamie 1 weeks notice needed!!! All donations helping to make a communal area for the project. Minimum donation of £10. By Jamie McCollum (Shettleston)

Prince’s Trust Residential

On the 28th September 2009 I attended a residential stay with the Prince’s Trust. A group of 15 people went to Newton Moore for a week; we travelled there by mini bus and stayed in an outdoor centre. On the way there we stopped at Asda to get the shopping done, as it was self-catering, we were split into 5 groups and worked together in order to get everything that was on the list. For shopping we were given a budget of £300 and of that we managed to only use £250. When we arrived at the centre we unpacked the shopping and we were then shown to our rooms, in each room there were 4 people and I was sharing with Tracy and Keira. After we had unpacked we were taken on a nature walk, we were told we would only be out for an hour however we arrived back 2 hours later. After the walk my group made dinner and then we played team building games and poker. Throughout the week we also took part in white water rafting, this was fun and after it everyone took turns in jumping off the raft and into the water. After this we took part in a night line, I didn’t enjoy this as much because we were blind folded and I didn’t have a clue as to where we were going.

The next day we went abseiling off the edge of a cliff, this was the most terrifying thing that I had ever experienced, everyone took part and we all encouraged each other to overcome their fears. The abseiling experience was the best part of the residential for me as I overcame my fear of heights and went for it. Near the end of the residential we went orienteering, we

were split up into several groups and each group was given a map. For my group I read the map and showed the group which way to go.

On the last day of the residential the team put together a presentation in the form of the game show ‘The Weakest Link’. Once we had finished organising it we presented it to the team leaders and residential staff, everyone had fun doing this and it also gave us the chance to thank the staff for all their help. That night everyone stayed up really late and had a laugh, one of the team members got toothpaste out and covered people with it, Alasdair however was not

amused. Later in the night we also decided to straighten and plait Alasdair’s hair and take pictures of it. The next day it was time for us to pack up and head home, we all helped to clean up the centre and pack everything into the van. When we had finished we started the long drive back, as there was no room in the van for everyone Alasdair drove me and 3 other team members back in his car. I really enjoyed the whole experience and would love to do it again (except abseiling). After the residential had finished we started fundraising at the UWS and we took part in a sponsored walk round Strathclyde Park. We also went on a 2 week work experience placement and completed our community project. Now we only have 2 weeks left until we are finished and we are currently working on our end of team presentation. After the programme is finished I will be looking into starting college or full time employment. Heather McKenzie (Viewpark)

Your stories

A Prayer from angles Angels of light protect me Now only positives I allow I am the light I am the love Watch me now from above Shield us in light It’s Beautiful and bright Only allow you in my Sight BY LOUISE BROWN (Somerset Place)

Harmless Vision

Black, White, Yellow, and Brown Now all together standing so proud

As free from all conflict Now free from despair

This one country this shared Government Now caring and fair

War is a concept long forgotten No welfare no A – List No top and no bottom

All differences now settled to better our kids In one, class a working class

No poor and no rich The last child has died hungry or sick from a drink

Dictators were dictated to step down or sink Avoidable chaos now replaced with calmness

Communication took complications And made all nations harmless

By Grant Alan Wingate (Hamilton)

Blue Triangle When you think no-one cares, There’s always some-one there, To give a helping hand, To listen and understand. That’s what they try to do. For everyone who’s blue. They go that extra mile, To make sure that you smile. Rab Kennedy (Greenside House)

I CANNY SLEEP

I Canny sleep I canny rest

My thoughts too deep and full of dread My eyes stay dry

Inside I weep As I try and try to get some sleep

My body’s weak My eyes so heavy Yet still no sleep

My mind won’t let me I think and stare without a peep

Without a blink I canny sleep

By Grant Alan Wingate

(Hamilton)

A Mental Letter

Today I wrote a letter And sent it to myself

I wrote about my current state To help my mental health

I wrote about my dreams of wealth A love I’ve yet to find

Things I’d like to change in time And doubts that cloud my mind Tomorrow I will read this letter

I sent out to myself Then see if things are any better

Especially MY MENTAL HEALTH

By Grant Alan Wingate (Hamilton)

Be Happy Remember Tomorrow is just a day, From a reason of Yesterday, You’ll find what you’re looking for Tomorrow, or……. Never forget what or where you are. Always reach for that star. Supposing you are right down, There’s always another day To be Happy Rab Kennedy (Greenside House)

Someone Blue If only you knew That you could meet That someone Blue At the end of the street That you could have That branch, that tree To give you a guiding hand Yes. It’s hard at first Guess we’ve all been there But look, don’t worry There are people who care They’re the Blue Triangle Rab Kennedy (Greenside House)

Your poems

A Fond Farewell What’s in a name? Now if the person happens to be called Cath Campbell then it goes without saying that you don’t get the Cath without the Blue Triangle. At the end of December 2009 however the name Cath Campbell, or to be accurate Catherine S. Campbell, will no longer be the name on official letter heads and other Blue Triangle documents, as after 35 years of loyal service she will be signing off as Chief Executive to enter into a well earned retirement. As the person who has birthed, raised and grown Blue Triangle to where it is today, notably a leading support provider for homeless people in Scotland, Blueprint wishes to highlight the significant contribution she has made. It goes without saying that Cath has left her signature on not just papers but more significantly people. Her identity will forever be connected with Blue Triangle and the vision and values she fiercely developed and defended. After investing more than half her life to the development of this Association, she now hands over not just a financially secure business but more importantly a legacy, which gives vulnerable people choices and opportunities which they might never have otherwise experienced. So what’s in a name? Well let her speak for herself: C - stands for committed, her steadfast, loyal dedication to the cause A - stands for accessible, her user friendly and approachable manner T – stands for tenacious, her dogged determination and firmness H – stands for humorous, her ability to lighten situations with fun and laughter E – stands for enterprising, her creative energy and innovative ideas R - stands for resilient, her tough, buoyant spirit bouncing back from problems I – stands for inspiring, her ability to influence those around her to achieve N – stands for natural, her unaffected, relaxed personality E – stands for empowering, her ability to enable and encourage people As Cath says, life must go on, but you know whilst you can take the Blue Triangle out of Cath, you can’t take the Cath out of Blue Triangle. Cath, on behalf of staff and service users, present and past, we wish you many happy & healthy years of retirement …… “ Well Done Good and Faithful Servant! “

Congratulations

From: Isobel Turnbull, Secretary, H.Q. Having worked with Blue Triangle Housing Association for the past 16 years, I wish to say goodbye to everyone and thank you for all your help and co-operation over this time. I started in the Finance Department at 128 Elderslie Street, then moved to become Receptionist/Typist and then into the Admin Department as a Secretary, still responsible for ordering stationery and domestic supplies for the Association. The Association has changed quite a lot over the years with some Projects closing and others opening as far away as Oban, but the aim has stayed the same – to assist and help vulnerable homeless people to a better way of life for and I felt the last Blue Print Magazine showed the evidence of this in quite a number of our Projects. I will miss you all, but look forward to seeing you at the Ceilidh in January 2010 for Cath Campbell – our Chief Executive who is retiring in December and to whom the Association owe everything for starting up this Company. With Best Wishes to all, Isobel Turnbull

Liz Littler, the Project Manager at Glasgow’s Holland Street project, recently celebrated her 50th birthday with a bash at the Curry Karaoke in the Ashoka Restaurant. A good night was enjoyed by Liz and staff alike. By an anonymous staff member.

Happy

Birthday

Well Done AGAIN Sean!

Sean was featured in the last edition of the Blue Print receiving his certificate for completing the Blue Triangle in-house maintenance volunteering programme. Since then he has attended an interview with Milnbank Housing Association on 19/09/09 regarding a 9 month pre-apprenticeship in painting and decorating. Sean related the experience he gained working with Jim and Graham, whilst living at Holland St Project, during his interview, which impressed the panel. Sean commenced work as an apprentice with Reidvale Housing Association's (part of Milnbank HA) painting and decorating team on

New Kid on the Block Jennifer is our new trainee with the in-house maintenance volunteering programme. Jennifer is the first girl to do the programme and is doing really well. The two people with Jennifer (Somerset Place) are Jim and Graham.

Editor’s Apology The photos below show two service users, Raymond and George, from the Solas Project. They took it upon themselves to clean up and replant the gardens surrounding Kerrera Lodge and Solas, putting in weeks of hard slog. The editor wishes to apologise to Raymond and George for printing their photos beside the ‘Brian Blue Fund’ article in the last edition of the Blue Print. The area for reflection that featured in the article is a different garden project to the one Raymond and George have been working on.

Updates

A special thanks goes to Allan Whittaker (Holland Street) for helping to put this edition together.

If you want to get involved in producing the magazine, please contact: The Blue Print Team, 150 Holland Street, Glasgow G2 4NG e-mail: lharris@btha.org.uk

A £10 gift voucher for a store of her choice will be winging its way to her very soon for her winning entry in last edition’s competition. When I open the Blue Print magazine, I want to see...:

- lots of smiling people having fun in their projects - more puzzles such as crosswords and wordsearches - recipes that are cheap and easy to make Congratulations

to

Amanda Watson

from the

Viewpark project!

Competitions Who’s that girl?

Have a close look at all the photos in this edition of the Blue Print and if you think you recognise her, send in the name of the article and the page number to the address opposite.

1 2

3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10

Festive Crossword Across 3. Songs sung at this time of year (6) 6. When the bells ring, look for this before you kiss (9) 9. AKA St. Nicholas (5,5) 10. Who wrote Auld Lang Syne? (6,5) Down 1. Makes a noise on the dinner table (7) 2. Santa’s transport (6) 4. Counting down the days before Christmas (6) 5. 31st December (8) 7. Wraps around the tree with a sparkle (6) 8. Sauce served with turkey (9)

We have 3 diaries for 2010 to give away so send in your crossword answers and one of them could be yours!

Easiest Bread and Butter Pudding INGREDIENTS: 150ml whole milk 140g white bread 50g raisins 568ml pot of fresh custard 5-7 tablespoons of caster sugar butter for greasing 1. Heat oven to 140C electric oven or 120C for a gas cooker. 2. Stir the custard together with the milk. 3. Trim crusts from the bread, cut bread into triangles, then place in a large bowl with the raisins. 4. Lightly grease a small ovenproof dish with the butter, then spoon in the mixture. 5. Pour over the custard mixture, make sure all the bread is coated. 6. Cook for 30-35 minutes until there is just a slight wobble in centre of the custard. 7. Sprinkle the sugar over the top, then pop under a hot grill for 1-2 minutes until the sugar starts to melt and caramelise.

Deep Dish Cheese, Onion and Potato Pie INGREDIENTS: 200g strong cheddar cheese (½ coarsely grated and the rest cut into small chunks) 200ml tub of crème fraiche 500g shortcrust pastry 1kg of floury potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 2 onions, finely sliced 1 bunch of spring onions roughly chopped small pinch nutmeg large pinch of paprika 1 egg beaten 1. Heat oven to 200C for electric oven and 180C for a gas oven. 2. Mix the crème fraiche with the grated cheese and set aside. 3. Grease and lightly flour a ceramic bowl or metal pie dish, or shallow cake tin. 4. Roll out ⅔ of the pastry on a lightly floured surface until large enough to line the tin/bowl with a little bit pastry over-hanging. 5. Place a layer of potatoes over the tart and scatter over some of the sliced onions, spring onions and chunks of cheese, season with salt, pepper, nutmeg and paprika. 6. Pour over half of the crème fraiche/cheese mix and then add another layer of potatoes and onions. Push the filling down slightly and add the rest of the crème fraiche. 7. Roll the remaining pastry to fit over the pie dish/bowl. Brush the sides with the beaten egg. Squeeze the edges together and crimp. Brush the top of the pie with the remaining beaten egg. 8. Place the pie on a baking tray and cook for 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180C for electric ovens and 160C for gas ovens. Carry on baking for 1 hour or until golden. Leave the pie to rest for 10 minutes, then serve straight from the dish cut into slices, with a salad or baked beans on the side.

Recipes An Alternative Christmas Dinner recipe donated by Wemyss House